as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detonate Many of the bombs dropped during that period did not detonate, remaining hidden beneath the ground until construction or development work brings them to light. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025 It was also detonated by the state police bomb squad, according to officials, the newspaper reported. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025 Season 2 followed the aftermath of the events in Season 1, which ended with a bomb being detonated in central London. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025 Instead, the redesign detonated a culture war. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
  • The frustration has exploded online, with customers sharing horror stories on Reddit of missing skin care products, art and collectibles.
    Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
  • After the fireworks exploded, after Orion Kerkering bent to his knees in despair, after the Los Angeles Dodgers mobbed the field and claimed the National League Division Series with a 2-1 walk-off win in Game 4, the Phillies processed it all in the Dodger Stadium visitors clubhouse.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But then a ref blew the whistle as the buzzer sounded, giving Duke two meaningless free throws while up by four.
    Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The two shared a playful moment, dancing together before Charli slipped her sunglasses onto Role Model’s face, blew him a kiss, and made her exit.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The ball popped up in the air and Bolton was there to grab it, except he was hit by teammate Drue Tranquill.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The scouting concerns that followed Imanaga’s years in Nippon Professional Baseball have popped up again at the worst possible time.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detonate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!